BREAKING NEWS: Local veterinarian shot, clinic set on fire

By Marc Golden and Natalie FlemingOf the Times

Thursday

Apr 24, 2008 at 12:01 AMApr 24, 2008 at 11:21 PM

Local veterinarian Dr. Jerry Handley, owner of Handley Animal Clinic on U.S. Highway 411 North, was shot Thursday night and his clinic was set on fire. According to law enforcement officials, Handley, who was working late at the clinic, was shot at least twice by an unknown assailant. After being shot, the veternarian called his wife, who, in turn, called 911.Emergency officials arrived on the scene around 9 p.m. The front of the building was engulfed in flames when Etowah County Sheriff’s deputy Colt Gregory, Hokes Bluff Police officer Tyler Roe and Sheriff Todd Entrekin went around to the back of the building and pulled Handley to safety. LifeSaver helicopter was called to transport Handley to a Birmingham hospital. His condition was unavailable. The Etowah County Sheriff’s Department’s helicopter and the St. Clair County dog team conducted a search of the area surrounding Handley’s clinic. Authorities believe the shooting may have been the result of a botched robbery attempt, but have no suspects. Several animals perished in the blaze, but it is unknown how many. The Etowah and Cherokee County sheriff’s departments; Coates Bend, Tidmore Bend and Hokes Bluff volunteer fire departments; Leesburg, Southside and Hokes Bluff police departments; and the state fire marshal’s office assisted at the scene.

Times Staff Writer Sharon F. Beck contributed to this report.

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